Cardano Accelerator Programby the Cardano Foundation
Get the tailored support, expert guidance, and industry recognition you need to confidently grow your venture. Join the Spring 2026 cohort to accelerate DeFi and RWA innovation on Cardano.
Built to support and scale your Cardano venture
Elevate your venture through a focused, two-module program that combines tailored coaching, business workshops, and strategy sessions led by the Cardano Foundation and its network of industry partners.
The program is designed for both developers and founders, blending deep technical expertise with practical business execution.
- Technical expertise
- Product development
- Personalized engineering sessions from our team
- Complimentary CBCA Certification
- Go-to-market
- Business development
- Business operations
- Regulatory and compliance
Program timeline
Application deadline
5th June, 23:59 CET
Interview round 1
6 – 10th July
Interview round 2
3 – 7th August
Participant selection
Results announced by 24th August
Program start
End of September
Cardano Accelerator Program by the Cardano Foundation
Ignite your venture with access to business and technical expertise.
Additional program information
01What kind of ventures should apply?
For this cohort, we’re focused on ventures building decentralized finance (DeFi) and real-world asset (RWA) solutions that bring tangible economic value on-chain. We’re looking for founders developing products that make blockchain infrastructure more accessible, efficient, and usable in real-world contexts.
02Is this an online program?
The program follows a hybrid format, with the first week conducted in person and the remaining sessions, including the Demo Day, delivered online.
03Does the Cardano Foundation give funding to selected ventures?
Participating ventures will receive a starting grant and have the opportunity to present their solutions to investors during the Demo Day. For this cohort, the Cardano Foundation will also make available potential financing options through the Venture Hub fund, supported by the Foundation.
04Do all ventures qualify for the Demo Day?
All ventures that complete the 10-week program will qualify to participate in Demo Day.
05Can I participate in another Accelerator program at the same time?
No. During the 10 weeks of the Cardano Accelerator Program, ventures are not permitted to participate in other accelerator programs.
06Is there a monetary award or investment guaranteed for ventures at Demo Day?
There is no guaranteed investment from the Demo Day, and the Cardano Foundation does not imply that participation will result in funding. Ventures will present their pitches to a curated group of investors and venture capital firms, with investors making independent decisions. Throughout the program, experts collaborate with ventures to enhance their prospects for success at Demo Day. In parallel, the Cardano Foundation actively engages with and brings suitable investors to the event to connect with participating ventures.
07Would the selected ventures get a developer from the Cardano Foundation assigned to work with them?
Selected teams must be capable of developing and maintaining their own products. Cardano Foundation experts will deliver tailored workshops to help participating ventures strengthen their Cardano-related skills, while also providing technical feedback and advice. Each startup will receive dedicated technical guidance throughout the program.
08What is each venture’s time commitment throughout the program?
The first week is a full-time, on-site commitment for two representatives from each venture. During the remaining nine weeks of the program, ventures should plan to dedicate up to six hours per week for sessions and one hour for individual coaching.
09I’ve submitted my application under the wrong category. Should I resubmit?
No. The category can be adjusted manually during the evaluation process to ensure the best fit for each venture.